The year 2002 came the first spring after Beijing won the bid of hosting the Olympics. Meet in Beijing lived up to the world’s expectation with its passion and hospitality. Don Quijote performed by National Ballet of Cuba dazzled former President Jiang Zemin; the musical Tristan and Iseult by Pierre Cardin, with stunning costumes and plots, unfolded an ancient romantic tragedy; the Chinese opera Sima Qian was performed by Shaanxi Theatre in Beijing; National Ballet of Spain, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and a big concert by Australian queen of songs Tina Arena were all evidence of artistic diversity and refined taste of Meet in Beijing.

Of course, the festival continued to serve as the platform for Chinese audience to enjoy cultural diversity and harmony. Twenty-two foreign art troupes, 15 domestic art troupes and 9 mahjor exhibitions all made one of the largest Asian art festivals in springtime full of irresistible charm.